Protect Animals From Being Raped and Make Bestiality a Felony in Ohio!

Update: HB 289 (Representatives Goyal and McCain, Cosponsor Representative Garland ) was introduced that would make bestiality a felony in Ohio. Please contact your Ohio state representative asking them to support this bill. This petition will be presented to the mentioned Legislators in support to the proposed bill.

Did you know sexual relations (bestiality) with an animal is NOT specifically prohibited in Ohio?

In Shelby, Ohio, 31 year old Peter Bower was arrested for sexually abusing a 3 year old shepherd mix dog that he had adopted from the Richland County Dog Shelter in early May. On May 27, Bower entered an INNOCENT plea and is charged with ONLY TWO MISDEMEANOR COUNTS of animal cruelty for the rape of the innocent dog. According to The Mansfield News Journal, "the man's computer confiscated after the allegations the man posted stories and photos of himself and multiple animals in the act”. Animals included three dogs and a horse. The postings date back to 2006. The article also goes on to say "the North Third Street man was arrested at his Mansfield workplace May 18 and charged with injuring animals, a second-degree misdemeanor, and companion animal prohibitions, a first-degree misdemeanor".

The dog was examined by a veterinarian and suffered physical trauma and pain from the abuse. The dog has been removed from the man's home for NOW. He was able to post bond and is now out of jail to freely continue with raping animals. The 31 yr-old Shelby man will face a pre-trial hearing at the end of July. Bestiality is not a crime in Ohio, therefore the rape of this innocent dog is ONLY a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. According to the Michigan State University College of Law, approximately 30 states have enacted laws that prohibit sexual contact between humans and animals. Make Bestiality a Felony in Ohio! For more information visit: http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovuszoophilia.htm

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the state of Ohio pass and sign bill HB 289 to make bestiality a felony crime. Too many animals have suffered from the pain and trauma from this abuse. Currently under Ohio law, bestiality is ONLY a misdemeanor crime. Approximately 30 states have already passed laws that prohibit sexual contact between humans and animals and request that Ohio be added to this list.